An Operator and Rig Contractor Deliver Drilling Process Automation in the Bakken

Abstract

Abstract An operator and rig contractor implemented new drilling operation automation (DOA) on two rigs in North Dakota’s Bakken field. A set of DOA projects were selected to promote alignment and deliver valuable tools to improve operational performance based on a collaborative technology agreement to develop innovative DOA process solutions to reduce operational variation. The first sprint of project work focused on delivering a system that automatically carries out recurring drilling activities previously completed manually by a driller interfacing with drilling rig controls. Collaboration between the operator and rig contractor has been vital in developing technical workflows for automation that deliver value to all stakeholders. The operator and rig contractor developed, field tested, and proved the value of the implemented devices and systems. The project development process is described along with the methods used to overcome the challenges encountered during the first project sprint. Developing and deploying repetitive process automation has enabled greater control and driven operational consistency for repetitive drilling practices. The process will be shared to manage, design, and implement automated sequences to the field. The first project sprint delivered a valuable drilling system which executes automated drilling operations. This tool will act as a platform for the next stages of project work to improve management of a drilling automation plan and operations at the rig site. The results described in this paper were outlined as future steps in SPE 195818. The operator and rig contractor overcame some of the traditional cultural and technical barriers to efficiently develop DOA through technology collaboration. The project team used the operators’ standard well delivery processes to deliver a valuable tool to aid the driller’s workflow while standardizing repetitive and recurring steps in drilling operation activities. Engaging and collaborating with field personnel drove improvements to the automated processes and enhanced the value-adding tools to impact operations at a field level.